Largest Islands Globally Ranked in 2025
World's Largest Islands by 2025
The rankings of the world's biggest islands based on total land area have remained unchanged since 2025. As of this year, these are the top ten largest islands globally, listed in descending order of size.
1. Greenland
Greenland, located between the Atlantic and Arctic oceans, holds the title of the world's largest island with a total area of approximately 2.16 million square kilometers. Despite being often misconstrued as a continent due to its vast size, Greenland is classified as an island as it is not part of any continental landmass. With a unique landscape marked by large ice sheets and fjords, Greenland plays a significant role in climate research and offers valuable insights into the impact of global warming.
2. New Guinea
Coming in second place is New Guinea, an island in the Pacific Ocean, with approximately 786,000 square kilometers in area. New Guinea is a land of incredible biodiversity and cultural richness, making it both unique and diverse. The island is shared between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. With its breathtaking landscapes, thriving wildlife, and densely populated indigenous communities, New Guinea is an isolated world within itself.
3. Borneo
The third-largest island in the world is Borneo, located in Southeast Asia, with an area of approximately 743,000 square kilometers. Borneo is a fascinating island that is shared by Indonesia, Malaysia, and the small oil-rich nation of Brunei. Home to diverse ecosystems, ancient rainforests, and distinct indigenous cultures, Borneo remains largely undiscovered and is of growing economic importance.
4. Madagascar
Madagascar, a holiday destination known for its unique wildlife and breathtaking landscapes, is the fourth-largest island globally, with an area of around 587,000 square kilometers. Known as the 'Eighth Continent,' Madagascar is renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity and isolated evolutionary history. With over 90% of its fauna and flora found nowhere else on Earth, Madagascar is a world like no other.
5. Baffin Island
Canada's Baffin Island is the fifth-largest island in the world, with an area of approximately 507,000 square kilometers. Situated in the Arctic region, Baffin Island is part of the territory of Nunavut and is home to diverse wildlife and vibrant Inuit culture. This beautiful yet remote island is a significant part of Canada's Arctic landscape and is an essential cultural and geographical touchpoint.
6. Sumatra
Situated in Western Indonesia, Sumatra is the sixth-largest island globally, with an area of around 473,000 square kilometers. Known for its diverse environment, including dense tropical rainforests, active volcanoes, and vast expanses of mangrove forests, Sumatra is also a biodiversity hotspot. Home to unique species such as critically endangered Sumatran elephants and tigers, Sumatra is a crucial habitat for wildlife conservation efforts.
7. Honshu
Honshu, Japan's largest island, comes in at seventh place with an area of approximately 228,000 square kilometers. Honshu is the cultural, political, and economic center of Japan, home to over 60% of the country's population. With its diverse landscapes, from the Japanese Alps in the north to the bustling cities of Tokyo and Osaka, Honshu is a fascinating blend of nature and modern civilization.
8. Victoria Island
Victoria Island, located in the Canadian Arctic, is the eighth-largest island globally, with a total area of around 217,000 square kilometers. With its remote location and scarcity of human inhabitants, Victoria Island is a place of stark natural beauty and significant historical and cultural importance. Home to diverse wildlife including polar bears, Arctic foxes, and migratory birds, Victoria Island offers a glimpse into the Arctic's untamed wilderness.
9. Great Britain
Great Britain, the largest island in the European continent, is the ninth-largest island globally, with a total area of around 210,000 square kilometers. Comprising England, Scotland, and Wales, Great Britain is a vibrant mix of history, culture, and modernity. With its bustling cities, picturesque countryside, and historic landmarks, Great Britain is a popular destination for tourists from around the world.
10. Ellesmere Island
Ellesmere Island, part of the Canadian Arctic archipelago, is the tenth-largest island in the world, with a total area of around 196,000 square kilometers. With its rugged landscapes and subarctic tundra, Ellesmere Island is one of the most remote and inhospitable places on Earth. However, it is home to unique species such as polar bears, Arctic foxes, and muskoxen, and plays a vital role in Arctic research.
Sources: 1 Largest Islands by Area - List of Countries & Areas
Science and environmental science have a significant role in uncovering the impacts of climate change on the world's largest islands, with Greenland, New Guinea, Borneo, Madagascar, Baffin Island, Sumatra, Honshu, Victoria Island, Great Britain, and Ellesmere Island offering unique landscapes and biodiversity that are crucial for research. Lifestyle and travel opportunities abound on these islands, allowing travelers to experience diverse cultures, wildlife, and ecosystems, while also contributing to conservation efforts and fostering a greater understanding of global environmental issues.
